Washington: US President Donald Trump announced that air strikes on Iran would persist until he determines "it's enough," as the conflict over the strategic Strait of Hormuz escalates. The United Nations has labeled the situation a "huge setback" for civilians in the region.
According to Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty, Trump disclosed during an interview with Fox News that US negotiators had engaged in discussions with Tehran. He emphasized the necessity for Iranian officials to negotiate a deal to cease hostilities. When questioned about the duration of US strikes, Trump stated, "They'll continue until I say it's enough." He further cautioned that the range of potential targets could expand if Tehran does not pursue a deal. "Next week it gets really bad for them because next week comes the power plants. Next week comes the bridges," Trump declared, underscoring a targeted approach aimed at crippling Iran's infrastructure.
Amidst ongoing air strikes that have rocked southern Iranian cities, Iran has retaliated with missile launches against Gulf neighbors, including Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry strongly condemned Iran's actions, holding Tehran accountable for the repercussions of these attacks.
The conflict has centered around the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global transit route, following the collapse of a memorandum of understanding intended to foster peace negotiations. Trump had previously threatened a 20 percent fee on cargo through the strait but later suggested trade and investment agreements with Persian Gulf states as an alternative, while maintaining a blockade on Iranian shipping. US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the reinstatement of a naval blockade against maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports.
The unfolding events signify the unraveling of a previous agreement aimed at negotiating peace. Trump has informed Congress of the US's renewed military engagement with Iran, initiating a 60-day period for military action without legislative approval. Concurrently, the US Treasury has intensified sanctions against Iran, targeting Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, a key figure in Iran's oil exports and global trade networks.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk expressed concern over the resurgence of hostilities, highlighting the grave risks posed to civilians. The conflict, driven by Iran's strategic leverage over international shipping, has brought maritime traffic to a near standstill, exacerbating global economic tensions.
Amidst these developments, Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has vowed revenge for the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, killed in air strikes earlier this year. This pledge of retaliation adds to the volatile political climate, with Trump warning that any assassination attempts against him would provoke severe US military retaliation.